Psychiatry Flashcards
(222 cards)
What are the core symptoms for a diagnosis of depression?
what other symptoms can be present
core:
1. low mood
2. anhedonia
3. fatigue
others:
disturbed sleep
poor concentration or indecisiveness
low self confidence
poor or increased appetite
suicidal thoughts or acts
agitation or slowing of movement
guilt or self blame
what is the ICD10 criteria for diagnosis procedure of depression
2 of the core symptoms for at least 2 weeks plus at least 2 additional symptoms
4 total = mild
5-6 = moderate
7+ = severe
what is the DSMV criteria / diagnosis of major depressive disorder
5 or more over a 2 week period (must have one of )
depressed mood
markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all activities*
poor or increased appetite
insomnia or hypersomnia
psychomotor agitation or retardation
fatigue or loss of energy
feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
diminished ability to think or concentrate
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
must impair functioning
what other mood is important to consider in diagnosing depression
any history of mania or hypomania which would change the diagnosis to bipolar mood disorder as opposed to depression
what initial investigations are necessary in someone presenting with depression
ECG
BMI
BP and pulse
FBC, U&E, LFT, TFT HBA1C
what is the advice for continuation of antidepressants after a depressive episode
assess risk of relapse including residual symptoms, previous episodes and severity, length and degree of treatment resistance in this episode
low risk - at least 6-9 months
if any risk factors - at least 1 year after symptoms resolve
high risk - 2 years after symptoms resolve
what is the typical response rate of antidepressants
what change should be made if unsuccessful
about 67% respond
if not better to change class than change drug within class
side effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants
cardio toxic
lower seizure threshold
anticholinergic effects - dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention
anti-adrenergic effects - postural hypotension, tachycardia, sexual dysfunction
antihistamine effects - weight gain, sedation
types of antidepressants and examples
TCAs; amitriptyline, imipramine, nortiptyline
MAOIs; phenelzine, selegeline
SSRIs; sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram
SNRIs; venlafaxine, duloxetine
what is serotonin syndrome?
what are the symptoms
increased or excessive serotonin due to one drug or interactions
results in autonomic dysfunction, abdominal pain, myoclonus, delirium, CV shock, and death
symptoms; hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, hypertension, tachycardia, tremor, agitation, irritability, sweating diarrhoea, dilated pupils
treatment of serotonin syndrome
discontinue causative medication
benzodiazepines
active cooling
if severe serotonin antagonist
SSRIs
side effect profile
is there discontinuation syndrome
pretty safe drugs - not too cardio toxic in overdose
common side effects - GI upset, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia,
can develop discontinuation syndrome of agitation, nausea, and dysphoria
Pros and cons of fluoxetine
Long half life decreases discontinuation syndromes
Initially activating can give motivation
active metabolite can build up - not good in hepatic impairment
Lots of p450 interactions
Initial activation can increase anxiety and insomnia and more likely to induce mania
Escitalopram pros and cons
Few drug drug interactions
More effective than citalopram is acute response
Good in epilepsy
Dose dependent QT prolongation
Nausea headache
Expensive drug
Citalopram pros and cons
Few drug drug interactions
Dose dependent QT prolongation
Can be sedating
GI side effects
Sertraline pros and cons
Short half life lower metabolic build up
Less sedating
Max absorption requires full stomach
Increased number of GI effects
Paroxetine pros and cons
Short half life
Sedating properties good at night
Sedation, weight gain, anticholinergic effects
Likely to cause discontinuation syndrome
Venlafaxine pros and cons
Minimal interactions with almost no p450 activity
Can increase diastolic BP
significant nausea
Can cause bad discontinuation syndrome
Can cause QT prolongation
Sexual side effects
Note also indicated for post menopausal symptoms
Duloxetine pros and cons
Some data to suggest helps physical depression symptoms
Less BP increase than venlafaxine
Inhibits CYP enzymes
What kind of drug is mirtazapine
Pros and cons
Presynaptic alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist increases central noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission
15-30mg daily then increase up to 45 mg
Pros: can be used as a hypnotic at lower doses
Cons: increases cholesterol, sedating, weight gain
What actions do TCAs have
Blocks SERT
blocks NET
5HT2A antagonism - anxiolytic
What’s the difference between secondary and tertiary TCAs
Secondary act primarily on noradrenergic receptors
Generally less severe side effects as tertiary
E.g. nortriptyline
Tertiary act primarily on serotonin receptor
More side effects
E.g. amitriptyline, imipramine
What kind of drugs are MAOIs
When used
Side effects
Bind irreversibly to MAO preventing inactivation of amines such as dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline
Very effective for depression
Side effects: orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, dry mouth, sedation, sexual dysfunction and sleep disturbance
Don’t take with tyramine rich foods
How to switch between MAOI and SSRI or vice versa
Wait two weeks in between because of risk of serotonin syndrome
If fluoxetine wait 5 weeks because of long half life